was learning new lessons
faster than I really cared for. I asked him if Zura knew of his
engagement.

"No," he replied as he walked restlessly about, "I just met her coming
over. She isn't in love with me and I don't trouble others with my
private affairs."

"Really! I am afraid your manly self-control will cause Zura many a
heart ache. I know of nothing more contemptible than being engaged to
one girl and flirting with another."

"Most men do it," he answered sullenly.

"I don't believe you, boy, and it will take more proof than you can
furnish to convince me that the men of my country have so low a standard
of honor." I put a heavy accent on "men."

My guest flushed. "Well, I like that! What do you call me?"

"A thoughtless boy," I said. "But if you want to be a man, here's your
chance. You go right back to your ship; write to Zura; tell her of your
engagement and why you cannot see her any more; then stay away."

I knew as little about men as I did about fashion, but I plunged on.
"What do you think the girl back home would think? Suppose somebody
treated her as you have treated Zura? Shame on you, boy! Be a man and
help an old woman as well as a young one."

The desire to have his own way died hard, but something conquered.
"I'll do it! Just watch me," he said at last, a certain bravado
accompanying his words.

I could see that he was much disturbed by our interview. He rose and
moved towards the gate. His effort to live up to his newly-awakened
manhood was boyish, but sincere.

He whirled about suddenly and said, "Miss Jenkins, I apologize to you
and Zura. I--I'm awfully sorry. Zura is such a jolly chum, and she was
very lonely; I wasn't any too gay myself at leaving home. But, honestly,
I didn't mean to make it hard for her. I--I didn't think. Please tell
her."

Impulsively he took my hand and lightly kissed it. But for his
earnestness I would have thought it impudent. He was soon gone.

* * * * *

"Where's Pink Tommy?" cried Zura, as I entered the living-room.

"Where's Mr. Hanaford?" I questioned back.

"Why, he took his book and left. Didn't you say he was in a hurry?"

"Yes, I did; so was Mr. Chalmers. He left good-by!"

"Good-by?" In Zura's question there was much annoyance and some anger.

Jane chimed in. "Both the boys gone? What a pity! I've just made a relly
joll."

Whether intentional or not, Jane's twisted words sent a little breeze of
laughter be